The current Parque García Sanabria in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has its origins in a long process of civic and institutional development dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The idea of providing the capital with a large green space was initially promoted by figures such as Patricio Estévanez Murphy and physician Diego Guigou, who publicly advocated for the need for an urban park similar to those found in other Spanish cities. However, it was not until the early decades of the 20th century that these proposals began to take shape in concrete projects, culminating in the municipal agreement of 1926 that approved its construction.
One of the park’s most distinctive aspects was its financing and development, which relied on an early form of civic collaboration. Through the so-called Pro-Park Commission, the City Council promoted a public subscription through which residents, businesses, and private individuals contributed funds for the acquisition of the land. This initiative made it possible to raise significant amounts that enabled the purchase of the plots and the start of construction works, in a process that combined donations, fundraisers, festivals, and other community-driven actions. In this sense, the park can be understood as a truly collective project, built with the direct involvement of the people of Santa Cruz.
The park’s design evolved over time, beginning with initial proposals such as that of architect Antonio Pintor and eventually being consolidated with the plan by Casa Leyra y Compañía, a company specialized in landscaping. Construction was completed in 1929, resulting in a space structured with walkways, roundabouts, fountains, and landscaped areas, later enriched with sculptures and ornamental elements. Over the decades, the park has undergone expansions, renovations, and improvements, incorporating new features such as the flower clock, various sculptures, and botanical collections that have turned it into a genuine historic garden of great environmental and artistic value.
Today, Parque García Sanabria is considered one of the main green spaces in the Canary Islands and an urban and cultural landmark of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Beyond its function as a recreational area, it hosts a remarkable diversity of plant species, as well as an important sculptural collection integrated into its layout. Its significance has been officially recognized through its designation as a Site of Cultural Interest and a historic garden, consolidating its status as a symbol of local identity and an example of urban planning based on citizen participation and the integration of nature, art, and social life.
–Article on the 90th anniversary of Parque García Sanabria (Diario de Avisos):
https://diariodeavisos.elespanol.com/2016/08/90-anos-del-central-park-santa-cruz/
–Reference portal on the history of Parque García Sanabria (Tiempo de Canarias):
–Encyclopedic entry with general information on Parque García Sanabria (Wikipedia):
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_Garc%C3%ADa_Sanabria
–Chronicles by the Official Chronicler of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (City Council):
https://www.santacruzdetenerife.es/web/noticias-y-agenda/cronista-oficial/cronicas
–Specific chronicle on Parque García Sanabria as a Site of Cultural Interest:
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| From right to left, our coordinator, Miguel Muñoz, and the secretary of our business initiatives, Ramiro Rosón, at Mesón Los Ángeles. –Mesón Los Ángeles Address: Avenida Islas Canarias, 28 (38006, Santa Cruz de Tenerife) Website: https://www.mesonlosangeles.com Phone: +34 922 28 04 13 |
